MFJ 464 User manual

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

i

Contents

THE BASICS

Introduction.....................................................................................................................1

Front Panel ......................................................................................................................2

Back Panel ......................................................................................................................3

Connecting to a Computer ...............................................................................................5

Basic Operation...............................................................................................................5

How to Use the Menu System..........................................................................................6

THE BUTTONS

The Buttons.....................................................................................................................8

Mode Button........................................................................................................8

MSG1-MSG4 Buttons..........................................................................................8

Button Combinations.......................................................................................................8

Decrement ...........................................................................................................8

Increment.............................................................................................................8

Repeat Reader Buffer...........................................................................................8

Freeze Reader Buffer ...........................................................................................9

Pulse Tune ...........................................................................................................9

Carrier Tune.........................................................................................................9

THE MENUS

Main Menus ..................................................................................................................10

Speed.................................................................................................................10

Weight ...............................................................................................................10

Tone ..................................................................................................................10

Reader Speed .....................................................................................................10

Setup Menus..................................................................................................................10

Overall Speed ....................................................................................................11

Farnsworth.........................................................................................................11

Weight ...............................................................................................................11

Character Space .................................................................................................12

Word Space .......................................................................................................12

Keying Compensation........................................................................................12

Keying Delay.....................................................................................................12

PTT Hang Time .................................................................................................12

Tone ..................................................................................................................13

Serial Number....................................................................................................14

Leading Zeroes ..................................................................................................14

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

ii

Other Zeroes ......................................................................................................14

Nines .................................................................................................................14

Iambic................................................................................................................14

Reverse..............................................................................................................15

Paddle................................................................................................................15

Monitor..............................................................................................................15

Output................................................................................................................15

Queue ................................................................................................................15

THE READER

Using the MFJ-464 Reader ............................................................................................16

Opperation.....................................................................................................................16

THE PADDLE

Using the MFJ-464 with a Paddle ..................................................................................17

Setup Commands...........................................................................................................17

Message Memory ..........................................................................................................18

THE KEYBOARD

Using the MFJ-464 with a Keyboard .............................................................................19

Quick Mode...................................................................................................................19

Keyboard Layout ...............................................................................................19

Repeat................................................................................................................19

Caps Lock..........................................................................................................19

Keyboard Operation ......................................................................................................19

Keyboard Key Combinations.........................................................................................21

Setup Commands...........................................................................................................22

Message Memory ..........................................................................................................27

Quick Speeds.................................................................................................................27

THE TERMINAL

Using the MFJ-464 with a Terminal Program ................................................................28

Setup Commands...........................................................................................................28

Message Memory ..........................................................................................................33

Uploading and Downloading Messages .........................................................................33

Loading a Memory Block from the Computer ....................................................34

Sending Contents of a Memory Block to the Computer......................................34

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

iii

THE MEMORY

Message Memory ..........................................................................................................35

Preparing Messages.......................................................................................................35

Embedded Commands...................................................................................................36

APPENDICES

Resetting the Keyer .......................................................................................................39

Factory Defaults.................................................................................................39

Message Memory Reset .....................................................................................40

Self Test ........................................................................................................................40

Failure Message Meanings.................................................................................41

Power Down Circuit Test ..............................................................................................41

Jumper Settings .............................................................................................................42

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................42

Technical Assistance .....................................................................................................42

Morse Code Character Set .............................................................................................43

Signals Used in Other Radio Services............................................................................44

Some CW Abbreviations ...............................................................................................44

Meaning of Q Signals....................................................................................................45

Setup Commands...........................................................................................................46

Schematic......................................................................................................................47

FIGURES

Figure 1: MFJ-464 Front Panel .......................................................................................2

Figure 2: MFJ-464 Back Panel .......................................................................................3

Figure 3: Qwerty Keyboard Layout ................................................................................4

Figure 4: Dvorak Keyboard Layout ................................................................................5

Figure 5: MFJ-464 Flow Chart and Button Action Chart.................................................7

Figure 6: Code Weight..................................................................................................11

Figure 7: Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time Timing ...................................................13

Figure 8: Rise Time and Decay Time Timing ...............................................................13

Figure 9: MFJ-464 Message Memory Structure ............................................................35

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

1

The Basics

Introduction

The MFJ-464 KeyReader is a full-featured memory keyer combining dual microprocessors and a

non-volatile EEPROM chip for a full featured, low cost, high reliability design. Unlike other

keyers, it uses a LCD display to set keyer functions and show the sending message. The MFJ-

464 keys CW from a paddle, a keyboard and a serial computer interface. All code parameters

are changed with an easy to use menu interface shown on the LCD display. The MFJ-464 has

four message memories of over 220 characters each which can be loaded by paddle, keyboard or

from a computer with a terminal program. The MFJ-464 can repeat messages continuously,

insert timed pauses within messages, insert an auto-incrementing serial number, have messages

call other messages or insert embedded commands into a message. Commands also can be

simply sent to the keyer in Morse code using your paddles, keyboard, terminal program on your

computer, or push-button switches on the unit.

The MFJ-464 has controls for volume and speed on the front of the unit. The paddle jack

connects to any iambic or single lever (dual contact) key paddle. The keyboard port allows use

of an optional keyboard for keyboard keying operation. The serial interface allows connection of

most RS-232 compatible computers. Some of its features:

• 2-line by 16-character LCD display.

• Iambic keyer with dot and dash memories; automatic, semi-automatic or hand-key mode.

• Four messages of over 220 characters each.

• Messages may “call” other messages and contain programmed functions.

• Input queue to store multiple message activation.

• Auto-incrementing contest serial number from 001 to 9999.

• Adjustable code speed from 5 to 99 WPM.

• Farnsworth mode with speed from 10 to 99 WPM.

• Ultra speed mode allows messages at speeds up to 990 WPM.

• Adjustable weight on code elements from 25% to 75%.

• Adjustable sidetone frequency from 300 to 1000 Hz.

• Compensation for transmitter character shortening up to 25 ms.

• Keying output delay up to 20 ms to accommodate switching delay.

• Push-to-talk (PTT) hang time up to 10 seconds.

• Direct (positive) keying.

• Carrier tune and adjustable pulse tune functions for transmitter adjustment.

• Timed pauses within messages and message loop capability for continuous replay.

• Message and keyer configuration saved without battery backup.

• Internal sidetone speaker with adjustable volume.

• Support for Qwerty and Dvorak keyboards with RepeatKey feature.

• 190 characters type-ahead keyboard buffer with buffer-full warning.

• Reader decodes Morse code up to 99 WPM with automatic speed tracking.

• Reader repeat buffer of 80 characters.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

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Front Panel

SET

POWER

VOLUME

MFJ CW KEYER/READER

MFJ-464

ON

OFF

MSG1 MSG2 MSG3 MSG4

MODE

PWRLOCK

PREV NEXT

TONE

LEVEL

100 1

Figure 1: MFJ-464 Front Panel.

• LCD Display: A 2-line by 16-character alphanumeric display. It displays the keyer’s

various menus and the code being sent and received. Normally, the top line shows the

transmitted characters and the bottom line shows the received characters. The bottom line

can be toggle to show the keyboard type-ahead buffer.

• Mode Button: The Mode button is time-sensitive and uses to navigate through the various

menus and to enter or exit the setup menus.

• Message Buttons: The Message buttons MSG1 to MSG4 are used to program and playback

the four message memories. They also use to navigate through the setup menus. These

buttons are time-sensitive.

• Lock LED: The Lock LED blinks in sync with the incoming Morse code message.

• PWR LED: The PWR LED illuminates when the power to the unit is on. It also blinks

when the keyer is in message program mode and command mode.

• Level Control: The Level control adjusts the input level.

• Volume Control: The Volume control adjusts the sidetone audio volume to the internal

speaker and Audio Out jack. Turn the control clockwise to increase the volume and counter-

clockwise to decrease the volume.

• Tone Control: The Tone control adjusts the tone frequency. It is factory set to 700 Hz.

• Set Dial Control: The Set dial control adjusts the keyer setting for the active mode. Turn

the control clockwise to increase setting and counter-clockwise to decrease setting.

• Power Button: The Power button turns the unit on and off. Press to turn power on; press

again to turn power off.

WARNING: Do not turn the power on and off rapidly, otherwise the memory (keyer

settings) would be corrupted and the unit will have to reset to factory

defaults to function properly.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

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Back Panel

SIDE

TONE

KEYBOARD

POWER

12VDC

+

KEY

IN

MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC.

STARKVILLE, MS USA

KEY

OUT

PTT

OUT

RADIO

IN

RADIO

SPKR

SERIAL

PORT

Figure 2: MFJ-464 Back Panel.

• Power: The Power jack accepts a 2.1 mm coaxial plug with positive center and negative

sleeve. This unit requires 12 volts DC. An optional 500 mA power supply, the MFJ-1315, is

available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. This unit requires a minimum of 50 mA at no volume

and without using a keyboard and a maximum of 300 mA at maximum volume into an 8-ohm

audio load with a typical keyboard. It may require more current depending on the keyboard

used; typical keyboard uses about 100 mA.

WARNING: Do not apply voltages greater that 18 volts to this unit, or permanent

damage to the unit may result.

• Side Tone: The Side Tone is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to an external

speaker or headphones. This jack accepts both stereo and mono plugs. When this jack is

used, the internal speaker is disabled. An optional external speaker, the MFJ-281, is

available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc.

WARNING: To prevent suffering hearing damage when using headphones, turn the

Volume control to minimum before putting on the headphones and then

slowly adjust for a comfortable volume.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

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• Radio Spkr: The Radio Spkr is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to an external

speaker. This jack is normally a bypass of the Radio In jack. This jack accepts both stereo

and mono plugs.

• Radio In: The Radio In is a 3.5 mm stereo phone jack for connecting to the radio’s

headphones or line out. This jack accepts both stereo and mono plugs, but only the tip of the

plug is used.

• PTT Output: The PTT Output is an RCA jack providing connection for a PTT (push-to-

talk) output that goes low when active. This jack is an open-drain output; an external pull-up

can be used if so desired. Use a quality-shielded cable for connection to this jack.

• Keying Output: This unit supports only positive keyed radios (most solid-state radios). Use

a quality-shielded cable for connection to this RCA jack. Consult your transmitter's manual

to determine if it uses direct (positive) or grid-block (negative) keying. If your radio is

negative keyed, the transmitter will either not key at all or key continuously.

• Serial Port: The serial port on the back of the unit accepts a 3.5 mm stereo phone plug to a

standard 9-pin female plug for connecting the MFJ-464 to a computer for ASCII file transfers

or monitoring your sending on the computer screen. A 3.5 mm to DB9 serial cable, the MFJ-

5161, is available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc. If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, use a

9-pin-to-25-pin adapter. If you prefer you can make this cable using the following table:

Connect 3.5 mm Stereo Plug

To DB9 (female)

To DB25 (female)

Tip (TxD)

Pin 2

Pin 3

Ring (RxD)

Pin 3

Pin 2

Sleeve (GND)

Pin 5

Pin 7

To communicate with the MFJ-464, use a terminal program on your computer that is capable

of transferring information in ASCII format. Configure the software for 9600 baud, 8 data

bits, 1 stop bit and no parity; set the flow control to Xon/Xoff.

• Keyboard: The keyboard port accepts most standard AT style keyboards (XT keyboard

does not work with the MFJ-464). The MFJ-551 keyboard is guaranteed to be fully

compatible with the keyer and available from MFJ Enterprises, Inc.

Configuration of the keyboard operation is set in the Quick mode (see page 19). It allows

selection of whether a Qwerty or Dvorak keyboard is used (see Figures 3 and 4). The Repeat

feature selects whether or not to repeat a key when it is held down. The Caps Lock power on

status can also be selected. The factory defaults are Qwerty keyboard, Repeat off and Caps

Lock on.

• Key Input: The Key Input jack is a _-inch stereo phone jack. An iambic or single lever

(dual contact) paddle with a shielded cable should be used. When used with paddles, the dot

wire should be connected to the tip of the plug, the dash wire to the ring, and the ground wire

to the shield.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

5

Figure 3: Qwerty Keyboard Layout.

Figure 4: Dvorak Keyboard Layout.

Connecting to a Computer

You may connect the MFJ-464 to a computer using the 9-pin DIN serial port on the back panel.

If your computer has a 25-pin serial port, you can use a 25-pin-to-9-pin adapter.

To use a computer with the MFJ-464, run a terminal program that will upload and download

ASCII files, and configure the terminal program to do so. Set the terminal program for 9600

baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit and no parity; set the flow control to Xon/Xoff. If you see

extraneous linefeeds on the computer screen when receiving data from the MFJ-464, you may

configure your software to strip out these extra linefeeds.

During sending, the characters sent by the MFJ-464 are sent through the serial port, so you may

use your computer to monitor the transmitted copy. You may find this particularly convenient.

You also may upload and download text files between the MFJ-464 and your computer. For

details on this, see the discussion of “Uploading and Downloading Messages” on page 33.

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MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

6

Basic Operation

The MFJ-464 is simple to operate. The Power button controls power to the unit. Start sending

with a paddle or keyboard. Adjust the volume and speed to your preference. If the speed is still

too fast or too slow, adjust the speed using the Set dial control.

All characters or code sent by the user are played on the sidetone speaker. This allows the user

to hear what he is keying, typing, or sending with a computer. Only when the keyer is used with

a paddle is the code sent as soon as it is keyed. When using a keyboard or keyer terminal, you

may type ahead of the code that is being transmitted. This allows you to enter words and phrases

faster than the transmitted code. This permits smoother code with less pauses because you can

fix misspelled words and think of the right phrase to use while your previous sentence is being

sent.

When you are in command mode, memory save, or configuration mode, the code sent to the

speaker is not sent to the Keying Output or your radio. This keeps all erroneous code off of the

air.

How to Use the Menu System

You may set up the MFJ-464 to perform any of its many functions by making the appropriate

selections from its menu system. This system consists of four main mode menus, 19 setup mode

menus and three quick mode menus. You make your selections using the five buttons under the

LCD display

-

Mode, MSG1/Prev, MSG2/Next, MSG3/100 and MSG4/1. These buttons do the

following:

• Mode

-

Scrolls through the main mode menus and setup mode menus when press briefly. To

enter the setup mode, press and hold this button for two seconds. To exit the setup mode,

press this button to go back to the main mode.

• MSG1/Prev

-

Play/program message 1 or go to the previous setup menu.

• MSG2/Next

-

Play/program message 2 or go to the next setup menu.

• MSG3/100

-

Play/program message 3 or select step of 100 in setup mode.

• MSG4/1

-

Play/program message 4 or select step of 1 in setup mode.

The main mode menus are arranged in a "wrap-around" structure, so that momentarily pressing

the Mode button will bring up another main menu in a sequence. Figure 5 shows the sequence of

the main mode menus. When power is turned on, the main menu displayed is the one that was

displayed when the unit was last turned off.

The setup mode menus are also arranged in a "wrap-around" structure, so that pressing the

Previous or Next button will bring up another setup menu in a sequence. Figure 5 shows the

sequence of the setup mode menus. When entering the setup mode, the setup menu displayed is

the one that was last used.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

7

To see how the setup mode menus system works, consider the following example.

EXAMPLE: To enter the setup mode, press and hold the Mode button for two seconds.

If the display shows that you are in the Farnsworth menu, pressing the Next button would

put you in the Weight menu and pressing the Previous button would put you in the

Overall Speed menu. Adjusting the Set dial control would lower or raise the overall code

speed. Once you have selected the speed you desire, you may leave the setup mode by

pressing the Mode button again; or press Previous or Next button to go to another setup

menu.

Once you have made your choices within the setup mode, they will be saved in non-volatile

memory for your next session.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

8

FLOW CHART

OVERALL SPEED

FARNSWORTH

WEIGHT

CHAR SPACE

WORD SPACE

KEY COMPENSATION

KEY DELAY

PTT HANG TIME

TONE

SERIAL NUMBER

LEADING ZEROES

OTHER ZEROES

NINES

IAMBIC

REVERSE

PADDLE

MONITOR

OUTPUT

QUEUE

SETUP MODESMAIN MODES

BUTTON

ACTION

Press + to decrement serial number.

Press + to increment serial number.

Press + to toggle repeat reader buffer.

Press + to toggle freeze reader buffer.

DIT

Press + to enter pulse tune mode.

DAH

Press + to enter carrier tune mode.

s13

w50

t70

00

MODE

PREVNEXT

For 2 sec.

MODE

MSG1

MSG2

MSG3

MSG4

For 2 sec.

MSG1

Program Message 1 Playback Message 1

Program Message 2 Playback Message 2

Program Message 3 Playback Message 3

Program Message 4 Playback Message 4

MSG2

MSG3

MSG4

Press

Speed

Weight

Tone

Reader

Speed

QUICK MODES

KEYBOARD LAYOUT

REPEAT

CAPS LOCK

MODE

MSG1

POWER

+

MODE

Figure 5: MFJ-464 Flow Chart and Button Action Chart.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

9

The Buttons

Mode Button [MODE]

The Mode button is used to change keyer mode. In the main mode, press Mode button to cycle

among Speed, Weight, Tone and Reader Speed menus. This button is also used to enter and exit

the setup mode, or used in combinations with other buttons and paddles to perform special

functions.

Message Buttons [MSG1] to [MSG4]

There are four messages buttons corresponding to the four messages. To play a message, press

and release the corresponding message button. To save a message, press and hold a message

button for two seconds until the keyer responds with “GO” (dah-dah-dit dah-dah-dah). You may

then key in a message using the paddle, keyboard or terminal. Press any message button to end

the message. Refer to “The Memory” section on page 35 for explanation of the MFJ-464’s

message memory.

Button Combinations

The Mode button can be pressed in combination with another button or paddle to perform special

functions. To do this, press and hold the Mode button, within two seconds press another button

or paddle, and then release both buttons and paddle.

Decrement [MODE] + [MSG1]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG1 button to decrement the

serial number by one, effectively canceling the automatic increment applied when last played

from a message. The decrement function accommodates re-sending the last serial number, as

might be needed when a repeat of a contest exchange is requested, or canceling the exchange

with a station that proved to be a “dupe”. The unit will echo a "D" (dah-di-dit) for every number

that is decrement. Decrement serial number 0001 rolls over to 9999, because the number 0000 is

not used.

Increment [MODE] + [MSG2]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG2 button to increment the

serial number by one. The unit will echo an "I" (di-dit) for every number that is increment.

Increment serial number 9999 rolls over to 0001, because the number 0000 is not used.

Repeat Reader Buffer [MODE] + [MSG3]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG3 button to repeat the

reader buffer.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

10

Freeze Reader Buffer [MODE] + [MSG4]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds press the MSG42 button to freeze the

reader buffer.

Pulse Tune [MODE] + [DIT]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds tap the Dit paddle to engage the pulse

tune mode. The keyer will send a continuous string of pulses to tune your station. The rate

(speed of 50 to 99 WPM) and the duty cycle (weight of 1% to 35%) of the pulses can be adjusted

with the message buttons. Press MSG1 button to decrease speed and MSG2 button to increase

speed. Press MSG3 button to decrease weight and MSG4 button to increase weight. Press Mode

button, either paddle or the ESC key to exit.

Carrier Tune [MODE] + [DAH]

Press and hold the Mode button and within two seconds tap the Dah paddle to engage the carrier

tune mode. The keyer will key continuously to tune your station. Press any button, paddle or

key to exit.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

11

The Menus

Main Mode Menus

The main mode menus allow you access to the commonly used functions. There are four main

mode menus arranged in a “wrap-around” structure. When power on, keyer operation starts with

the main menu that was last used. The four main menus give you easier access to the frequently

adjusted settings and display their current values. Within each main menu, press the Mode

button briefly to view the next main menu. Turn the Set dial control to change the setting of the

current menu. Press and hold the Mode button for two seconds to enter the setup mode (see

below).

Speed

This menu is placed in the main menus to allow easier access to change the overall speed in the

range of 5 to 99 WPM. When s## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to change the overall

sending speed. Note that setting the overall speed higher than or equal to the Farnsworth speed

will disable Farnsworth spacing.

Weight

This menu is placed in the main menu to allow easier access to change the weight of code

elements in the range of 25% to 75%. Weight is the duty cycle of a continuous string of dots,

which is 50% for perfect code. When w## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to change the

code weight. A higher weight produces a heavier sound, and a lower weight causes characters to

sound lighter.

Tone

This menu is placed in the main menu to allow easier access to change the audio frequency of the

sidetone in the range of 305 to 1006 Hz. When t## is displayed, turn the Set dial control to

change the sidetone frequency. Note the one’s digit is not displayed and 1006 Hz is displayed as

t99. Most people prefer 700 to 800 Hz sidetone.

Reader Speed

This menu shows the code speed of the incoming Morse code message as ### WPM.

Maximum reader speed that can be displayed is 127 WPM.

Setup Mode Menus

The setup mode menus allow you to set up how the MFJ-464 works and behaviors. There are 19

setup mode menus arranged in a “wrap-around” structure. To access these setup menus, press

and hold the Mode button for two seconds. The setup menu that will display is the one that was

last used. When finishing, press the Mode button again to go back to the main mode for normal

operation. The LED will blink to indicate that you are in the setup mode. The Keying Output

and PTT Output are also disabled.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

12

Within each setup menu:

• Press the Mode button to exit the setup mode and go back to the main mode.

• Press the Next button to view the next setup menu; press the Previous button to view the

previous setup menu.

• Press the “100” button to set incremental step to 100; press the “1” button to set incremental

step to 1. This affects the Set dial control in the PTT Hang Time and Serial Number setup

menus.

• Turn the Set dial control to change the setting for that setup menu.

Overall Speed

The Overall Speed menu allows you to set the code speed in the range of 5 to 99 words per

minute (WPM). By "overall" speed, we mean the speed at which the words are sent. A "word"

is defined as 50 units of time, and the word "PARIS" is exactly 50 units in length. Therefore, if

"PARIS" is sent 13 times in one minute, the sending speed is 13 WPM. Standard Morse code

timing defines a dit as one unit of time and a dah as three units of time. Within each character,

there is one unit between elements (dits and dahs). Three units separate characters and seven

units separate words. Farnsworth spacing (see below) will increase the amount of time between

characters and words. Note that setting the overall speed greater than or equal to the Farnsworth

speed will disable Farnsworth spacing.

Farnsworth

The Farnsworth menu allows you to disable or enable Farnsworth mode and set the Farnsworth

speed (character speed) in the range of 10 to 99 WPM. When Farnsworth mode is enabled,

characters (dots, dashes, and intra-character spaces) are sent at the Farnsworth speed, but the

spacing between characters and words is increased to produce a slower overall speed. This

technique is useful for helping the novice learn the sounds of the code characters and avoid the

tendency of counting individual dots and dashes. The Farnsworth speed is always higher than

the overall speed. As a result, Farnsworth mode (if enabled) is automatically disabled when the

overall speed is changed to one that is greater than or equal to the current Farnsworth speed.

Also, Farnsworth speed cannot be enabled when the overall speed is at its maximum of 99 WPM.

Weight

The Weight menu is used to set the code weight in the range of 25% to 75%. Weight is the duty

cycle of a continuous string of dots, where 50% for perfect code. A higher weight produces a

heavier sound and a lower weight causes characters to sound lighter.

50% Weight

25% Weight

75% Weight

Figure 6: Code Weight.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

13

Character Space

The Character Space menu is used to increase the character space (normally three units) up to 12

units long. There are two numbers on line two of the display; the number enclosed within “[“

and “]” is the character spacing and the other number is the word spacing. Note the character

space is always at least four units shorter than the word space. So you might have to increase the

word spacing before adjusting the character space.

Word Space

The Word Space menu is used to increase the word space (normally seven units) up to 16 units

long. There are two numbers on line two of the display; the number enclosed within “[“ and “]”

is the word spacing and the other number is the character spacing. Note the word space is

always at least four units longer than the inter-character space.

Keying Compensation

The Keying Compensation menu is used to increase the keying on-time and decrease the keying

off-time up to 25 milliseconds (ms). Some radios have a key delay of 5 ms or more. By setting

5 milliseconds of compensation, the keyer will add 5 ms to the dots and dashes and subtract 5 ms

from the intra-character spaces. Although similar to increasing weight, this adjustment is

independent of the speed. This setting is used primarily to correct keying distortion by certain

transceivers and to eliminate the problems with a transmitter key delay.

Keying Delay

The Keying Delay menu is used to delay the keying output up to 20 milliseconds. This setting is

used primarily to accommodate switching delay in certain station setup. It is used in conjunction

with the PTT line to delay the keying output until all the switching is finished; that is, the keying

output is lagged behind the sidetone audio and the PTT output. This controls the time between

when PTT is asserted and when CW keying will start.

PTT Hang Time

The PTT Hang Time menu is used to set the PTT hang time from 1 to 9999 milliseconds. This

controls the time between when CW keying is ended and when the PTT will de-assert. You may

adjust this to your liking for on-the-air sending. Press the “1” button and use the Set dial control

to change time in increments of 1 ms; press the “100” button and use the Set dial control to

change time in increments of 100 ms.

Note: If Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time are equal to zero, the PTT Output waveform will

be identical to the Keying Output waveform.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

14

PTT Hang TimeKeying Delay

PTT Output

Keying Output

Sidetone Audio

Figure 7: Keying Delay and PTT Hang Time Timing.

Tone

The Tone menu allows you to set the audio frequency in the range of 305 to 1006 Hz. The MFJ-

464 features smooth, clean audio, with sine wave output, instead of the harsh square wave audio

used by many other keyers. Also, the MFJ-464 produces each dit and dah with a rise and decay

time of approximately 5 milliseconds, avoiding the "spikes" that cause distracting key clicks.

The MFJ-464's audio sounds like that of a good CW transceiver.

Keying Output

Sidetone Audio

Rise Time Decay Time

Figure 8: Rise Time and Decay Time Timing.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

15

Serial Number

The Serial Number menu allows you to set the current serial number from 0001 to 9999. Press

the “1” button and use the Set dial control to change number in increments of 1; press the “100”

button and use the Set dial control to change number in increments of 100. Only three digits are

sent for numbers below 1000—use leading zeroes when appropriate. The serial number is

automatically post-incremented each time it is sent. Serial number 9999 will wrap-around to

0001, skipping 0000 since it is not used. Use Leading Zeroes, Other Zeroes and Nines menus to

control the way zeroes and nines in the serial number are sent (see below). There are a four-digit

number and three single characters on line two of the display. The four-digit number enclosed

within “[” and “]” is the serial number.

Leading Zeroes

The Leading Zeroes menu is used to set whether the leading zeroes in the serial number are sent

as “0”, “O”, “T” or not at all. There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line

two of the display. The character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the leading

zeroes in the serial number.

Other Zeroes

The Other Zeroes menu is used to set whether the non-leading zeroes in the serial number are

sent as “0”, “O” or “T”. There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line two of

the display. The character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the other zeroes in

the serial number.

Nines

The Nines menu is used to set whether the nines in the serial number are sent as “9” or “N”.

There are a four-digit number and three single characters on line two of the display. The

character enclosed within “[” and “]” is the replacement for the nines in the serial number.

Iambic

The Iambic menu allows you to enable or disable iambic operation. Iambic operation allows you

to squeeze both paddles and get alternating dots and dashes. There are two different types of

iambic keying, and both are available. The difference in behavior of these two modes occurs

when both paddles are squeezed and then released. In iambic A mode, the keyer will simply

complete the element (dot or dash) in progress, and then stop sending. In iambic B mode, the

keyer will complete the element in progress, and then send an additional opposite element. For

example, a release during the dash produces "dit-dah" (A) in iambic A mode but produces "dit-

dah-dit" (R) in iambic B mode. Non-iambic mode does not alternate between dots and dashes

during a squeeze. It plays whatever side made contact first until it is released. That is, when

iambic mode is disabled there are no dot and dash memories.

MFJ-464 Instruction Manual CW Keyer/Reader

16

Reverse

The Reverse menu allows you to reverse the paddles designation. When using paddles, the MFJ-

464 normally expects the dot paddle to be connected to the tip of the plug and the dash paddle to

be connected to the plug's ring. If your paddles are wired in the opposite manner, or you wish to

change between right and left-handed operators, you may turn Reverse ON to switch the paddle

functions. You can also set this mode by simply pressing the paddle you desire to designate as

the dot paddle.

Paddle

The Paddle menu allows you to select how the paddle works. With the automatic option, the

keyer functions as an iambic keyer for use with a dual-lever paddle. As an iambic keyer, the

MFJ-464 has dot and dash memories, for "squeeze keying," and functions just like other iambic

keyers, both standalone keyers and those built into radios. With the semi-auto option, the keyer

can be used with a single-lever key, with dots generated automatically and dashes formed

manually by the user. This emulates the function of a mechanical semi-automatic "bug." You

also may use this unit with a straight key or a bug, connect the straight key or bug to the ground

and the dash line. With the hand-key option, both the dot and dash lines can be used to connect

to a straight key. Notice hand-key mode may not be used to enter messages or setup commands.

Note: In hand-key mode using the paddle, the MFJ-464 will not display the code sent or

record to the keyer memory. Also, the difference between this and the Handkey

command is that this command affects the paddle only.

Monitor

The Monitor menu is used to toggle the sidetone speaker on and off. If the sidetone is turned off,

it will still play command messages and status information. To conserve power, the keyer

should be operated with the monitor off in favor of the rig’s sidetone.

Output

The Output menu is used to toggle the keying output on and off. If the output is turned off, no

signal goes to the Keying Output or the PTT Output to allow practice operation. The output is

temporarily disabled during memory message storing, command mode operation, status

information, and keyer setup.

Queue

The Queue menu is used to toggle the message queue on and off. Queue mode enables the user

to load messages into a buffer to play sequentially. In queue mode, if you press a message

button while a message is playing, that message will play after the current message is done.

When queue mode is off, pressing a message button will abort any message being played and

play the new message. When on, up to eight button presses are stored in order and acted upon in

succession as each message is completed.

Note: Disabling the queue mode increases the message stack size to seven levels deep used by

the embedded Call command.

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MFJ 464 User manual

MFJ 464 User manual

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